Wednesday, June 24, 2009

To Babbitland

Today Luca and I fly to Michigan to meet my mother, sisters and a gaggle of offspring at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Open since 1887, cars are still banned from the island (transportation is via horse and carriage or bicycle) and access is only by ferry boat or plane.

I was there once before and the atmosphere of the hotel reminded me of "The Road to Wellville" by T. C. Boyle.

(image from the film adaptation, 1994)

I couldn't help but envision it at the turn of the 20th century when Michigan was a magnet for the health-conscious and well-heeled capitalists flocked to the Grand Hotel to enjoy its cool breezes, socialize with the Middle American elite and stroll along the world's longest front porch -- 660 feet -- known as "Flirtation Walk."

(The hotel in 1890)

My mother has twice reminded me that I must dress for dinner as evening wear is required in all areas of the hotel. "Dresses or pantsuits for ladies," the website primly asserts. I hope an embroidered silk kurta will pass muster in the dining room. I'm not really a pantsuit kind of gal.

Listen to this astounding fact. During the 2008 summer season, the Grand Hotel served 83,000 pounds of prime rib, 23,500 pounds of ham, 83,500 pounds of potatoes and 6,500 pounds of pecans.

Oh, and Mackinac Island is famous for its homemade fudge; you can't walk more than ten feet without seeing a "Free Samples" sign.

You know.....I could make you that hat. I think I'm displaced in this century - that's the life I want to live. Have a wonderful time...very hot and humid here but you'll be cooler on the lake- ENJOY !

Have a wonderful trip. Mackinac Island sounds like the perfect place to sit, enjoy the scenery & read a great book! I went to a no-vehicles-allowed island years ago. It was off of Ireland & was sp peaceful & relaxing.Enjoy :o)

Oh I want to go there right now! I'm sure you must have seen the hotel which was famously featured in "Somewhere in Time". One of the prettiest scene was seeing Richard for the first time Elise whsiper, "Is it you? Is it?" with John Barry's lovely score playing in the background. It must be so romantic to get married at this hotel. I heard there is "Somewhere in Time" theme for weddings at this hotel, is it true? The costume in this photo reminds me of Princess Diana's outfit she wore during a Royal Tour to Canada in 1983. It's so romantic and dollie like. Here is a link: http://princessdiana.ca/

Do be careful you don't slip into another age, a la Somewhere In Time!! Although if one is going to travel backwards, this would be the place to do it. All that beauty...and fudge!!Have a wonderful time!

Oh, how I love Mackinac Island! A bicycle ride all the way around the island along the shoreline, a carriage ride along tree-lined streets, no cars/noise, the most charming homes and inns you've ever seen, and the most perfect little stone church... not to mention the Grand Hotel... [swoon]

OH You'll love it there! We used to go there when I was growing up and it was so much fun. Michigan is beautiful! We never stayed at the Grand Hotel while we were there, but it is beautiful. The lack of cars is so amazing and when you get off of the ferry they load your luggage up on their bikes-it is amazing how much luggage they can carry on one bike! We spent a few 4th of July's there and it was great! Have fun! Ride your bike around the island!